Chapter 24 [Congregationalist Church—An Hour Later]

Brother Tony inspected Church's interior. Freshly Printed Pamphlets sat alongside Bibles in Shelves. Oak and Seat Cushions glinted in Sol's afternoon light. Normally, he'd have waited until the following day however Fair's attractions called to him. Temptation sang Siren Call through visions of Candied Apples, Caramel Corn and Fried Dough. He'd root for all of his Parishioners against those from other parts of the state. Teens shared Anticipated First Dates. Long-Married Couple reaffirmed Sparks. Congratulations exchanged Good Will between Ribbon Winners and Fellow Contestants. Excitement from Rides, Exhibits and Midway tagged along for good measure. The realization of their hard work. Lord, thank You for Your Bounty! He bowed his head.

"A bounty is a good thing indeed, Brother Tony."

Surprise nearly stopped his heart. Grimace contorted his face. He turned to find Cybelle watching him in turn. He shook his head. "You are as bad as Pauline was. You know that?" He threw his hands up in the air. "May God forgive me."

"You serve well enough. I am sure all will be well. I am on the goddess' mission much as you serve your God. We have a mutual purpose tonight. I fear that will continue through your festival." She walked about the area. Aura and Vibes, while of different faith, pleased her. "Your church never changes. I will compliment you in that regard."

Smile relaxed his mood. "Cooperation and Coexistence are to be praised. My fellow ministers are not so forgiving, I fear, Cybelle." He motioned to the back. "I have some coffee brewing in the back. You are most welcome to a cup."

"Thank you but no. I must assist with Tonight's preparations. Have you heard about anything happening at the fairgrounds this morning?" Purpose set her jaw. Eyebrow raised.

"I fear there has been nothing of note. I did hear David and his guests were rather anxious at MacLindy's earlier." Pained Breath hissed from his mouth. "Not that I am happy to see you of course. I trust however, your visit has to do with that?"

"Indeed so, Brother Tony." She glanced toward Rafters. She frowned on Theatrics most of the time. Still, such displays served Day's purpose. "You can thank my companion."

"Companion?" He looked about Church's seating area. "I see no one, Cybelle. Please! No games!"

"All you got to do is ask, Reverend." Spidey crouched on Beam Overhead. He descended on Far Wall avoiding Windows. "Dubois and Parker mentioned you. Glad to meet you."

"Spider-Man, I take it?" Skepticism raised Tony's eyebrow. He'd read Bugle's Editorials against his visitor. "Thank you for coming down to the floor. I…forgive me, I do not wish to accuse. This church is welcome to all."

"Yeah I get it. Look, I asked Cybelle to bring me here. Dubois and the Doc trust you. She trusts you." Spidey rubbed the back of his neck. "Lichtenfeld's hanging out around your fairgrounds."

Tony stiffened. Eyes narrowed. "I'd hoped that hag would never show her face here again. Lord, protect us against her, her sire and that cult of theirs!" He shook his head. "As if 1982 wasn't bad enough?"

"1982? What happened then?" Spidey frowned under his mask.

Cybelle cleared her throat. "Lichtenfeld crashed this fair. She attacked Dr. Dubois in the barn. You might say that Dave and she really got to know each other because of that. Still, it scared people. My predecessor had to cleanse the barn from her influence. Your quick thinking saved you this morning and drove her away. She and the others will return. Her father will be with them."

"Her…?" Tony bowed his head. "That demon again? Good Heavens! Pray we don't meet…." He narrowed his eyes. "Wait. I remember a record in Danvers' registers. You have. Haven't you? Forgive me, my Friend. You know as well as any of us."

"You've met the Rider? Here I thought we hero types contained him," Spidey deadpanned. Great. So that creep's been loose on the world. What that Dr. Dubois said is right on! Geez! "Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy called me before they left last night. They filled me in on what that lady said to them in the Village. "I got some help getting up here. I had a nasty feeling that the Witchy Woman would try something. Good thing too. Glad to have my Tour Guide's help."

Snort escaped Cybelle's mouth. "You had matters in hand. Still, be aware. The Rider still hates you. It will strike back with Malice."

"Gracious me!" Tony rolled his eyes. "I will call Brother Ignatius in Edinsboro and Father William in Eagle Plain. How I wish I could bring Brother Andrew here!"

"Brother Andrew?" Spidey cast Weird Look at Cybelle. "What so special about him?"

Cybelle batted nary Eyelash at Wall Crawler's Impertinence. "Brother Andrew is the minister of Rowenshire's church. Their cursed land lies within his parish. He knows full well of the Rider and its coven, I fear. Fear not, Brother Tony. I shall bring him. I would ask Dave to put him up as well?"

"He can sleep here with me, Cybelle. Your brother and Angela have enough guests. I would not put him out any further. In the meantime, we can bless the high school and pray at the fairgrounds. Beyond that, those demons will not care for. Be mindful. I do not want a war involving my congregation." Purpose set itself in Tony's eyes.

Spidey shuddered in spite of Previous Welcome. "No offense, Padre. Tell that to Tall, Dark and Nasty out there. The Rider doesn't care about anything but its games. Anyhow, we figured to tell you when nobody can hear. You can do what you can." He looked around Church and Woods through Plain Window in back. Deja-Vu unsettled him. We haven't been up here that much. What's going on now? Must be that blueberry place.

Concession forced a nod from Tony. "I fear you are correct, Spider-Man. Still, whatever Mr. Jameson writes of you, you are welcome in this church. For what you have survived in Salem Village…and for protecting my flock this morning, you have proven yourself our friend. I've read of your efforts there. May I speak plainly?"

"Uh…sure." Spidey rubbed the back of his neck. Surprise caught him unawares. The Minister over Backwards Village definitely held more layers than initially-seemed. Curt Glance shot over toward Cybelle.

"You can trust him." Respect's nod bobbed in Tony's direction.

"Uh…okay." Respect cut off Banter and Snappy Patter. "Lay it on me."

Tony paced for a minute. "Then take a seat." He motioned toward Nearby Pew. "Please. This has nothing to do with your mask or secret, my Friend. This is God's House. As such, you are safe. I will make sure the villagers know of your aid to us."

"It is as he says. Relax, my Friend." She nodded. "Sit. Bow your head. I will add my efforts and those of the goddess to his."

Spidey bit his lip. Admittedly, Aunt May and he hadn't gone to church much since Uncle Ben's death. Minister's Stature increased in front of himself. Voice's Timbre deepened. He eased inch by inch over pew's seat. "This where I bow my head?"

"Please. It will be all right." Tony kneeled in front of the visitor. "Relax. It will be all right." Hands t onto the Wall Crawler's shoulders. "Lord, please hear your servant. Today, I have met your servant, Spider-Man. I feel his pain. I beseech you to help him to heal from our enemy's game so long ago. May those murdered souls reach out to him as he did to them. May he stand tall in Your Light and Mercy. May he understand he is not alone. If he ever was, please help our friend to understand that he is part of our community now. Amen."

"Amen." Gratitude bowed Cybelle's head. "A worthy prayer. I have added my thoughts. You have aided my sisters in the past, I am sure, Spider-Man." Elongated Sigh dampened spirit. "I wanted you both to meet. I will take you back to Manhattan. I trust if we need you, you'll be ready?"

"Ready and rarin' to go." Spidey fought back Anxiety's Gulp. "I don't feel any different. Sorry."

"Such things take time. David Dubois has stood in this church before the Congregation. Lichtenfeld tortured him. We supported him. And I have stood before the Dark One within him to calm his Storm as well. Now we support you. Just accord yourself honorably, my Friend. If you have questions, my door is open. I hope to see you again in this setting."

"Thanks. Appreciate the good thoughts." Spidey raised an eyebrow under his mask. I guess something else I need to ask about back at the farm.

Cybelle raised an eyebrow. "Trust that it will be all right, my Friend." Mists filled the Middle Third of the chamber. "Until we meet again, Brother Tony."

"If it suits Peace's means, you know we shall." Brother Tony bowed to her as well. "Go in Peace, my Friends. May God bless your way." He watched the duo vanish into Evaporating Mists. The oddities, it seems, never cease. Truly, Father, You remind us of that! He headed for Waiting Wall Phone.

Preparations were at hand again, it seemed…